Shirley Mae Van Buren's Obituary
Shirley Mae Van Buren, peacefully slipped into eternal rest on June 26, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Baldwin, LA on September 15, 1925, she lived 99 blessed years, and was one of four children of the late Oliver James Smith and Grace Hatcherson Smith.
She was educated at the historic Sager Brown School in Louisiana. After completing her education she met and married the late Roscoe D. Van Buren and traveled the world as a military spouse. After a distinguished military career and several military deployments the Van Burens permanently settled in Tacoma in the 1960’s.
A long time resident of Tacoma, she humbly worked in her community and was deeply committed to her faith. She was a long-time member of St. John Baptist Church and faithfully served in many capacities under the leadership of Rev. Joseph A. Boles. After his retirement, she continued her service to the St. John Church Transformation Ministries International, as a saintly Church Mother under the leadership of Pastors Lee Arthur J. Madison and Gabriel Madison. She truly loved her church family and formed bonds there that lasted her lifetime.
Shirley was the epitome of class and style and had a deep love for fashion. Her refined style was often imitated but never duplicated, with a poise and dignity matched by few. She retired after many years from JCPenney's as a sales associate manager. She was an elegant gem and had many friends whom she deeply cherished and created fond memories.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver James Smith and Grace Hatcherson Smith. Her husband of 40 years, Roscoe D. Van Buren. Granddaughter, McKinsey S. Bennett, two sisters; Eleanor Fleming (Ina) and Carrie Owens (Franklin), and one brother, Oliver James Smith Jr (Bernice).
Left to cherish her legacy are her three daughters: Iris Van Buren-Baugh (Ron) of Vancouver, WA, Adrienne Van Buren of Auburn, WA and Caryn B. Van Buren of Tacoma, WA. Grandchildren; Byron Minnis (Tamica), Colby E. Bennett and Tiana Baugh. Great-grandchildren, Jeremiah C. Clayton, Josiah J. Bennett-Smith, Nariya K. Minnis, Kylia M. Minnis, Khamari P. Minnis and great great granddaughter Nova T. Minnis-McCullum and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and numerous friends.
Shirley was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all of us.
‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith...' (II Timothy 4:7).
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